Charles Earl Franks, 88

By Tribune - Posted on 14 September 2011

Charles Earl Franks, age 88, of Terry passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.

Charles was born on August 2, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois the son of Earl H. and Ella Mae (Clauer) Franks. Charlie grew up in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. He was a boy scout, a member of the local Gun Club and attended the Methodist Church. He graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1941. He served in the United States Army Infantry in North Africa, Italy and France where he was wounded and received the purple heart medal. He received his BS degree in education with minors in Botany and History in 1950 from UW – Platteville. Charlie and Ruth Eileen Ralph were married on May 31, 1947 at her parents’ home in Mineral Point, Wisconsin. To this union three children were born: Cheryl Nannette, Ralph Earl and Margaret Ruth. In 1953, Charlie joined the Madison Police Department, eventually retiring from there as Detective Supervisor.

Charlie liked hunting, trapping, fishing, dogs, horses and photography. He had a great sense of humor and liked to play tricks on people. Charlie came to Montana to hunt deer with friends from Wisconsin. Charlie and Ruth moved to Terry in 1978, where he continued his hobbies. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge #74, American Legion Post #32 Terry and the Madison Police Protective Association. HE was a supporter of the Prairie County Museum.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Ella Virginia, his brother-in-law, Virgil Hatfield and a nephew David Hatfield. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, son Ralph (Judy) Franks, Daughter Cheryl Franks, daughter Margaret (John) Krause, grandsons: Christopher Krause, Bryan Hinsen, Craig Hinsen, Shawn Franks, Granddaughter Wendy (Leo) Van Asten and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held on Thursday, September 8, 2011 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry followed by a Prayer and Masonic services. Funeral services was held on Friday, September 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. Interment followed in the family lot of the Prairie County Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.